PETE MILLS

THIS IS NOW

Mighty Ernie Records

Pete Mills, tenor saxophone/composer; Kenny Banks Jr., piano; Pete McCann, electric & acoustic guitar; Martin Wind, bass; Matt Wilson, drums.

Pete Mills is a Toronto-born saxophonist, but currently resides in Columbus, Ohio.  His quartet hosts a jam session every Tuesday at the Park Street Tavern. This album is a sample of his hard-driving tenor playing, along with his talented ensemble members.  Their first track is the title tune, “This is Now” and is an original composition by Mills.

“It was inspired by a small melodic hook that lived in my brain for quite some time. I wrapped this material with a set of changes that inspired me to dig in,” Pete writes in his press package.

The tune features a dynamic guitar solo by Pete McCann. It swings hard with Pete Mills at the helm on his tenor saxophone. Also featured is the tight rhythm section that pushes the band forward: Matt Wilson on drums and Martin Wind on bass. Kenny Banks Jr. offers an inspired piano solo, whipping up and down the keyboard with dancing fingers.

Pete Mills enjoys vacationing, especially in sunny climates and island communities like the Caribbean. “Sunset STX” was inspired by just such a trip to St. Croix, one of his favorite spots to hang out.  STX is the St. Croix airport code.

A tune he calls “Daddies” shuffles along happily in a slow swing groove, and is a tribute to fathers around the planet, but also to his fellow musicians, who are mostly “Daddies.” This song has a blues buried in it, played strongly by Pete Mills’s trusty tenor saxophone. Clearly, Pete Mills is a very fine composer.

The duo with Mills and Kenny Banks Jr. wasn’t planned. The tune is “Bird Lives.” Mills had formerly recorded on his 2024 album titled, “For the Record.”  At the last minute, while in the studio, Pete suggested he and Kenny record the song as a duet.  He and Kenny grew up together back in his adopted hometown of Columbus, Ohio, so there was a deep comfort level between the two.

“One take and we had something special,” Pete shared.

A tune he calls “Exit Strategy” dials the tempo up.  It’s followed by “3 Kisses” a pretty ballad that features a tender solo by bassist, Martin Wind.

“Playing music has taken me to most parts of the world. I had the pleasure of performing and teaching in Beirut a few years ago.  I came back with much musical inspiration from the warmth and spirit of the people of Lebanon,” Pete Mills explains his inspiration for penning the “3 Kisses” tune.

Mills has written a tune called “Window Shopping” to celebrate the talents of his bass man. Mills & Wind play this one together, with Wilson keeping the time beneath their unique arrangement.

This is a recording that showcases eleven tunes composed by Pete Mills, along with his very talented quintet.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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